Just a few weeks ago while on the last leg of our national tour I had the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the world-renowned Charles H. Hoessle Herpetarium located at the St. Louis Zoo. For the very first time, cameras were allowed to document my journey. Take a look at some of my favorite tour memories and highlights!

The herpetarium is home to hundreds of different species of reptiles and amphibians. Only a small fraction of them are on exhibit for the public…the rest are behind-the-scenes in secret hallways and rooms that were once walked by the famous Marlin Perkins!

The majority of the snakes that call the herpetarium home are venomous! In case of an accident, the zoo has an entire fridge FULL of antivenin.

Here is an up-close shot of King Cobra antivenin. (The fridge is conveniently located right behind the King Cobra exhibit)!!!

Here is the herpetarium’s kitchen where minimal food prep is done. The majority of the animals’ diets are made at a large separate kitchen then delivered directly to the herpetarium in the morning.

The zoo’s herpetarium has two levels. The top level is home to the exhibits on display for the public. The bottom level is home to hundreds of animals off-display for either breeding purposes or quarantine. Here I’m holding one of my favorite creatures; the Alligator Snapping Turtle! This turtle was off exhibit on the lower level.

Right behind the Alligator Snapping Turtles was a large Cuban Crocodile. The zoo is planning on putting the crocodile on display once an exhibit is constructed.

Here I’m pictured with my tour guide Matt and a Fly River Turtle. The zoo has dozens of these turtles on and off exhibit.
Please stay tuned for part 2 of my behind-the-scenes adventure!!!